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Mexican Chicken Empanadas

Mexican Chicken Empanadas are an irresistible appetizer, dinner, or snack that can be made ahead of time and frozen for later!
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Appetizer
Servings 20 empanadas
Calories 192 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 puff pastry sheets thawed
  • ½ tablespoon  olive oil
  • ½ cup black beans rinsed and drained
  • ½ cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1 ½ cups  diced cooked, chicken
  • 1 oz pkg. taco seasonings
  • ½ cup mild enchilada sauce
  • 1 ⅓ cup shredded sharp cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water whisked together in a small bowl

Instructions
 

  • Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add bell peppers and black beans and sauté for 2 minutes. Add chicken, taco seasonings, and enchilada sauce. Stir to combine. Cook until heated through. Taste and add hot sauce if desired.
  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large jelly roll pan with parchment paper or line 2 smaller pans with parchment paper/nonstick mats.
  • Lay out one sheet of puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Lightly flour the top of the dough and roll it out to an approximate dimension of 12 x 18 inches. Cut 2 rows of 4” circles in the dough for 8 circles total. Repeat with the other sheet of puff pastry. Gather dough scraps and roll out to dimensions to fit 4 additional circles. You should have a total of 20 circles.
  • Place 1 1/2 tablespoons chicken mixture in the center of each circle and top with one tablespoon of cheese. Lightly brush the edge of half of a circle with egg wash and fold over, pinch edges tightly to seal. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining circles but DO NOT dip your brush in the egg wash again until your brush becomes dry because too much egg wash will prevent the edges from sticking.
  • Check each empanada to make sure there is about a finger's width of dough sealed together before the filling starts. Crimp the edges together with a fork. Pierce each empanada two times with a fork so steam can escape while baking. Spread empanadas apart so they do not touch each other on the baking sheets. Brush the tops/sides evenly with egg wash. Bake until golden brown, approximately 20-25 minutes.
  • Dip in cheese sauce, sour cream, avocado dip, etc.

FREEZER OPTION

  • While empanadas are lined on the baking sheets before baking, transfer entire baking tray to the freezer. Once frozen, add individual empanadas to a freezer bag.
  • When ready to bake, line desired amount of empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake at 400 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until golden and cooked through.